Transferring into Computer Science
Transferring to Computer Science (CS) or adding a joint CS program is a competitive process for most students. There is a limited number of transfers allowed each term, and the competition varies from term to term.
We highly recommend that you watch the video below as it goes into a lot more detail about why the transferring process is competitive, what we look for on your transfer application, and many other considerations.
This page provides general information on the eligibility criteria, deadlines and the transfer process, as well as how the process will differ depending on your current program.
Transfer information for
This page also contains information about the CS Joint program, which follows a similar process to the process as transferring into CS.
Eligibility
To be eligible to transfer to a Computer Science program, students must meet the Declaration Requirements (same for BCS, BMath, and Joint programs), which include:
- the completion of one term in the Faculty of Mathematics with a typical course load,
- the completion of/current enrollment in CS136/CS146 and CS136L (or equivalents),
- a minimum math major average of 65%, and
- a minimum CS major average of 70%.
Factors for consideration
The Computer Science major is a limited-enrolment academic plan and meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission. As part of the decision-making process, we will look at the following factors:
- your averages, which include your CAV, math major average, and CS major average,
- your workload, notably during the terms that you were taking CS courses and if the CS/MATH courses completed were Advanced or Enriched,
- your Communication Skills course grades, and,
- your responses to the application questions.
We're unable to provide any further information about the decision-making process because each application term is different.
Deadlines
Applications will be accepted three times a year; once per a term.
Applications typically open in the last week of the first month, and close a week or two before the end of the term. Please go to the application itself to review the deadline. Students will be notified of the results during the first week of the following term.
Late applications will NOT be considered.
Application Form
If you are eligible to transfer to CS, you may complete the Transfer from Math to CS form. You can apply to CS as many times so long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Technical issues with transfer application form
As a security precaution, we block connections from outside of Canada. If you are trying to access the Transfer to CS application forms but you are outside Canada, then the page might not open properly for you.
The way around this is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network); you can learn more at IST's website.
Math students
The transfer process is competitive and our ability to accept transfers depends on the size of our student body at the time.
Students should not apply if they do not meet the eligibility requirements stated above.
Since Computer Science is a unit under the Faculty of Mathematics, there will be no changes to your co-op status upon transferring to CS. Transferring to co-op is a separate process that is not conducted by CS.
Computing and Financial Management (CFM) students
CFM students should first consult with the CFM Program Manager before considering a transfer to CS. After this, you may see a CS Advisor to discuss details of your transfer as each student's situation may be different. CFM students are in the Math Co-op program, so co-op would not be affected.
To transfer from CFM to CS you must currently meet the following:
- have spent two full-time study terms in your current program (e.g. be 2A or higher);
- be in Good or Excellent Standing,
- not have more than 4 failed courses; and,
- We'll also look at what would have happened if you had been in CS.
- If you would have been forced out at any time (for example, due to low averages), you are not admissible.
CFM students who started their program before Fall 2022 may complete a Plan modification form to transfer to CS.
CFM students who started after Fall 2022, must meet the above conditions and the application process is competitive. If you are eligible, you may complete the Transfer from CFM to CS form online.
BBA/BCS Double Degree students
The process for transferring to CS as a BBA/BCS Double Degree student will depend on whether your home institution is Waterloo or Laurier.
Please refer to the BBA/BCS transfers page for more information.
Software Engineering students
If you are on a Work Term for Fall 2024:
SE students who are considering transferring to CS and for whom Fall 2024 is a work term may follow the process below:
Software Engineering students should first consult with the SE Director before considering a transfer to CS.
After this, you may contact the Math Internal Transfer advisor to discuss equivalent courses, the application process, and co-op eligibility. Note: your co-op is not guaranteed to transfer with you when you move between Faculties.
To transfer from SE to CS:
- You must have spent two full-time study terms in your current program (e.g. level 2A or higher)
- We'll also look at what would have happened if you had been in CS. If you would have been forced out at any time (for example, due to low averages, failed courses, exceeding the repeat rule, etc.), you aren't admissible.
If you are eligible to transfer to CS, you may complete the Transfer from Software Engineering to Math or CS form online before November 30th.
If you'd like to determine future courses and requirements for the CS degree, then please contact a CS Advisor or for more information.
If you are NOT on a Work Term for Fall 2024:
The process for students to transfer from Software Engineering to Computer Science will be competitive.
If you are applying to transfer from SE to CS and are not on a work term in Fall 2024, you must follow the process for students in the Faculty of Mathematics.
Updated September 13, 2024
Non-Math students
Like for Math students, the eligibility, factors for consideration, deadlines on students transferring to CS are the same.
This implies that students must be admitted to the Math Faculty before they can be considered for a transfer to CS, hence non-Math students must meet the Math minimum admission requirements as well as the Declaration requirement for a CS major.
If you are eligible to transfer to CS and Math, you may complete the following two (2) online application forms to transfer successfully:
- Transfer from outside of Math to Math
- Transfer from outside of Math to CS
If you are successfully with a transfer to CS you will be given a conditional offer until your acceptance into the Faculty of Math is confirmed. We recommend that you apply to Math as soon as possible since the transfer process into Math may take longer to process.
Students may contact a CS advisor to verify whether they have equivalent courses for CS135 and CS136 + CS136L. Advisors can provide insight as to how these courses might be considered during the transfer process. Non-Math students may also want to consider taking CS136L during a non-degree term prior to a transfer.
Note: Your co-op is not guaranteed to transfer with you when you move between Faculties. Please contact a Math Internal Transfer Advisor to discuss co-op. You may refer to the Math Internal Transfer page for more information
Adding a Joint CS major
A joint program in the Faculty of Math refers to a plan that requires more courses than a minor, but fewer courses than a major. Any joint major must be paired with another joint program or major.
The CS Joint program requires 12 CS courses as compared to the BCS/BMath CS that requires 15 CS courses. Please see the Joint CS program calendar descriptions linked below.
If you wish to add a BCS or BMath CS Joint program to your degree, then you will need to participate in the same competitive process as those applying to transfer into the BCS or BMath CS majors themselves.
You must meet requirements outlined below based on your current program. If all requirements are met, you may complete the form as noted in the table.
| Type of student | Requirements | Form(s) to complete |
|---|---|---|
| Math students | CS Joint Declaration Requirements | Transfer from Math to CS, with a note that you would like the Joint program |
| Non-Math, high fees program students (e.g. Engineering students) | CS Joint Declaration Requirements, and Math Internal Transfer Admission Requirements |
Add Joint CS to an out-of-faculty plan |
| All other non-Math students | CS Joint Declaration Requirements, and Math Internal Transfer Admission Requirements |
Add Joint CS to an out-of-faculty plan and Transfer from outside of Math to Math |
Note that the CS Joint Declaration Requirements are identical for BCS and BMath CS Joint programs as well as those of BCS/BMath CS Major listed above.
Please see a CS advisor or a Math Internal Transfer advisor for more information.
Alternatives to Computer Science
Students who are unsuccessful in transferring into a computer science program are encouraged explore our Related programs and plans page for programs that combine computer science with other disciplines. The Computing Minor is the most common and straightforward way to add Computer Science onto your degree.
Transferring out of Computer Science
Transfer decisions are made by the receiving faculty and/or program. If you want to transfer to another program within Math, check the list of Math Faculty Advisors to find the advisor of your desired program.
If you want to transfer outside of Math, go to their Undergraduate Office. Ask to speak with an advisor to discover what you need to do to transfer. Advisors often want to see a number of courses from their discipline with a specified minimum grade before they accept you. Students who want to transfer to an Arts program should check the guidelines before asking to see an advisor.
If you have already been asked to leave the Math Faculty due to low marks or failures, you may have more work to do because the other Faculty is unlikely to admit you. You may petition the Math Standings and Promotions Committee and ask for a non-degree term. A non-degree term allows you to continue studying for a term - but not taking Math courses. It's your opportunity to impress the faculty you want to transfer to - make the most of it!